Integrative Oncology

View the tumor individually. Support the organism as a whole.

A tumor does not affect just a single organ. It exists within a complex interplay involving the immune system, metabolism, micronutrient status, mitochondrial function, the gut, chronic stressors, and nutrition.

This is precisely where our integrative treatment approach comes in.

Therefore, we do not focus exclusively on the tumor itself, but aim to assess and optimize the biological conditions of the entire organism as comprehensively as possible.

Our guiding principle is simple:

Everything the body needs to function as well as possible should be available in sufficient amounts.

This includes vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids, a well-regulated immune function, a functioning metabolism, as well as the identification and treatment of relevant additional burdens.

Only on this basis do we take the next step and aim to assess the tumor itself as individually as possible – including, among other things, the analysis of circulating tumor cells and, where appropriate, functional sensitivity testing of various substances.

This allows us to create not a rigid standard protocol, but a personally tailored integrative treatment approach.

For context, please note: Many of the procedures described below are not part of conventional standard oncology care and may be viewed critically or not recommended within conventional medicine. They originate from integrative and complementary medicine. I do not use these methods indiscriminately, but rather on the basis of individualized diagnostics and with the aim of combining different therapeutic approaches in a meaningful way. From my medical perspective, carefully selected and appropriately combined complementary therapies can have an important place within a holistic treatment concept. At the same time, I would like to point out openly that the scientific evidence varies depending on the method, and no treatment outcome can be guaranteed. This information is intended to help you form your own view and, together with me, make an informed and independent decision about possible additional treatment options.

Our Therapeutic Pillars

Targeted Optimization of Micronutrients

An adequate supply of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements is a fundamental requirement for numerous metabolic and immune processes. We therefore assess specifically whether relevant deficiencies or unfavorable nutrient levels are present.

Depending on the individual situation, this may include:

Vitamin D
bioactive B vitamins
vitamin B12 and folate metabolism
magnesium
zinc
selenium
copper
iron metabolism
additional minerals and trace elements
omega-3 fatty acids

Where appropriate, we also assess minerals and trace elements using whole blood analysis to obtain a more differentiated picture of micronutrient status. Our goal is not indiscriminate high-dose supplementation.

Instead, we follow the principle:
measure – assess – optimize selectively.

In particular, vitamin D and other relevant micronutrients are adjusted according to the individual baseline situation with the aim of bringing them into a range that we consider functionally favorable.

Understanding and Regulating the Immune System

The immune system plays a central role in the recognition and control of altered body cells. A particular focus of our diagnostic approach is therefore on cellular immunity.

Among other things, we assess:

natural killer cells
NK cell count
functional activity of NK cells
T-cell-mediated immunity
TH1/TH2 regulation
other immunological imbalances

Natural Killer Cells

Natural killer cells – or NK cells – are part of the innate immune system and are involved in the recognition and elimination of altered cells.

We are not only interested in:
How many NK cells are present?

Equally important is:
How well do these cells function?

We therefore distinguish between quantity and functional quality. If abnormalities are identified, we aim to determine potentially modifiable causes and support immune regulation as specifically as possible.

Depending on the individual findings, possible approaches may include:

targeted correction of micronutrient deficiencies
plant-based and natural substances
mistletoe preparations
other immunomodulatory approaches

Our goal is not a nonspecific “stimulation” of the immune system, but rather a balanced and functional immune response.

Considering Chronic Infections

Chronic or persistent infections can place a prolonged burden on the body.

Among other things, they may:

keep the immune system continuously engaged
promote chronic inflammatory processes
place additional strain on energy and cellular metabolism
impair mitochondrial function

Where the medical history suggests it may be relevant, we therefore investigate whether chronic infections or immunological indications of persistent pathogens are present.

Abnormal findings are integrated into the overall treatment concept where this is medically appropriate and where treatment options are available.

Environmental Medicine and Exposure to Harmful Substances

Environmental exposures can also represent an additional burden for some patients. Depending on the patient’s history and level of exposure, targeted environmental medicine diagnostics may therefore be appropriate.

Potential exposures that may be assessed include, for example:

certain metals
environmental toxins
persistent pollutants
occupational or private exposures

The following principle applies:
Not every detectable substance automatically requires treatment. What matters are the level of exposure, the source of exposure, the clinical situation, and whether a therapeutic intervention is medically appropriate.

Toxopheresis

In selected patients, toxopheresis can also be performed at our Unna location. This is an extracorporeal blood purification procedure intended to reduce certain substances present in or bound to the plasma.

Toxopheresis is not a direct tumor therapy. Rather, it may form part of an environmental medicine treatment concept when relevant exposures have been identified and there is an appropriate medical indication.

➡️ Detailed information about > Toxopheresis

Gut and Microbiome

The gut is closely connected to the immune system, inflammatory regulation, metabolism, and nutrition. For many patients, an assessment of gastrointestinal health is therefore an important part of the overall treatment concept.

Depending on symptoms and medical history, the following may be evaluated, for example:

gut microbiome
bacterial diversity
intestinal mucosal barrier
inflammatory markers
digestive function
dysbiosis
other functional parameters

We do not interpret individual laboratory values in isolation. The key question is always which findings are truly relevant in the context of the patient’s overall clinical situation.

Circulating Tumor Cells

An Individualized View of Tumor Biology

In selected patients, the analysis of circulating tumor cells (so-called CTCs) or tumor-associated cells in the blood can provide an additional diagnostic perspective.

Tumor cells can detach from tumor tissue and enter the bloodstream.

In the procedure we use, circulating epithelial cells are enriched from the blood. Molecular biological methods are then used to determine whether specific epithelial and tumor-associated genes are being expressed. The cells obtained from the blood are subsequently exposed to different substances in the laboratory, and the preparations showing the strongest inhibition of cell viability are identified.

Depending on the findings, the following may be tested, for example:

mistletoe preparations
curcumin
artemisinin or artesunate
berberine
Boswellia
quercetin
other selected medications
other substances used in complementary medicine

Individual In Vitro Sensitivity Testing

If circulating tumor-associated cells or other suitable cell populations can be obtained, we carry out further analyses. The prepared cells are cultured in the laboratory over several days and exposed to different substances.

Based on the results, we preferably select those substances that have shown the most favorable in vitro results in the individual test and integrate them into an individualized multimodal treatment plan. Depending on the findings, several of the substances showing the most favorable results in the individual test may also be combined.

It is important to note that this approach belongs to the field of complementary medicine and is not recognized as an established procedure within conventional medicine.

Important (Disclaimer):
An effect observed in the laboratory does not automatically translate into a corresponding effect in the human body. Pharmacokinetics, achievable tissue concentrations, metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and many other factors distinguish a cell culture from a living organism.

The laboratory test used should therefore be understood as an additional decision-support tool and not as a guarantee of clinical treatment success. The laboratory also expressly points out that no dosage recommendation can be derived from the test results.

Mistletoe Therapy

Mistletoe preparations are among the established treatment approaches used within integrative oncology in German-speaking countries.

They may be used as an adjunct, for example with the aim of:

supporting general well-being
improving quality of life
modulating immunological processes
complementing treatment on an individual basis

Where appropriate, different mistletoe preparations may also be included in an individual sensitivity test. The selection is not made automatically, but according to the individual patient situation.

Bee Venom Therapy and Melittin

As another complementary medical approach, we are increasingly working with bee venom therapy (apitherapy).

In selected patients, it may be considered both in the context of chronic infections, for example in complex cases of Lyme disease, and as part of an individualized integrative oncology concept. Of particular scientific interest is melittin, a biologically highly active peptide and the main component of bee venom.

Preclinical research is investigating potential effects of bee venom and melittin on:

cell membranes
Apoptosis
cell proliferation
angiogenesis
inflammatory signaling pathways
various tumor cell models

Antimicrobial mechanisms are also being investigated. However, the clinical evidence is still limited. At present, there is no established evidence of efficacy as a cancer treatment or as an established treatment for chronic Lyme disease. There are, however, promising case reports, and particularly in China, several interesting studies are currently underway.

We therefore consider bee venom therapy an individualized complementary medical approach.

Because bee venom can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, a thorough medical history, physician-led risk assessment, and appropriate safety measures are essential. The first administration is always carried out in the medical practice under appropriate supervision by medical personnel.

High-Dose Vitamin C Infusions

When administered intravenously, vitamin C reaches significantly higher blood concentrations than when taken orally.

In suitable patients, we offer high-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy, for example in the range of approximately 50 to 100 grams per infusion.

Before starting such treatment, an appropriate medical safety assessment is carried out. Particularly important considerations include:

exclusion of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
assessment of kidney function
evaluation of the individual metabolic situation
consideration of ongoing cancer treatment and potential interactions

High-dose intravenous vitamin C is used within integrative oncology and is the subject of ongoing scientific research.

Artesunate Infusions

Artesunate is a derivative of the natural compound artemisinin. Artemisinin derivatives are originally known from malaria treatment and have also been investigated for years with regard to various biological mechanisms involving tumor cells. In selected patients, artesunate infusions may form part of an individualized complementary oncology concept.

Treatment is carried out following medical assessment and with consideration of:

blood count
organ function
concomitant medication
ongoing oncological treatment
possible individual sensitivity testing

Curcumin and Other Individualized Infusions

Curcumin and other biologically active natural substances may also form part of an infusion concept, depending on the individual situation.

Especially in this area, when appropriate functional testing is available, we aim to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the key question is:

Which substances appear to be particularly relevant for this patient from a biological and functional perspective?

Depending on the findings, curcumin and other selected active substances may be incorporated into a personalized infusion concept.

High-Dose Ozone Therapy According to Lahodny

At our Switzerland location, we also offer high-dose ozone therapy according to Lahodny for selected patients.

In this procedure, autologous blood is treated outside the body with a defined oxygen-ozone mixture and subsequently reinfused.

Within complementary medicine, the method is used with the aim of influencing redox, metabolic, and regulatory processes, among other things.

We consider high-dose ozone therapy a complementary procedure within an overall integrative treatment concept.

➡️ Detailed information on > > High-Dose Ozone Therapy According to Lahodny

Nutrition and Tumor Metabolism

Nutrition is a central component of our treatment concept. We do not look only at individual foods, but particularly at the overall metabolic situation.

In suitable patients, we provide guidance on a significantly carbohydrate-reduced to ketogenic dietary approach, or on a nutritional strategy that supports corresponding ketone body production.

At the same time, we consistently ensure that:

sufficient energy intake is maintained
adequate protein intake is ensured
muscle mass is preserved as much as possible
malnutrition is avoided
the diet is appropriate for the individual tumor and metabolic situation

Especially in patients with pronounced weight loss or muscle loss, a strict ketogenic diet may be unsuitable. The nutritional strategy is therefore always individualized.

A ketogenic diet is not a proven stand-alone cancer treatment and is used by us as a metabolic component within a broader treatment concept.

Our Integrative Treatment Concept

The individual measures are not viewed in isolation. Instead, we aim to bring them together into a coherent and comprehensible overall treatment concept.

Our approach essentially follows five levels:

1. Optimally support the body

Micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Identify and reduce relevant burdens

Chronic infections, inflammatory processes, environmental and toxic exposures, as well as other individual factors.

3. Assess and regulate the immune system

In particular, NK cells, cellular immunity, and functional immune parameters.

4. Assess tumor biology as individually as possible

Circulating tumor cells and, where appropriate, functional in vitro sensitivity testing.

5. Develop an individualized treatment plan based on these findings

Selected complementary substances, mistletoe therapy, bee venom therapy, infusion therapies, ozone therapy, nutrition, and other appropriate approaches.

Complementing Conventional Oncology

Our treatment concept can be used alongside conventional oncological treatment.

This may include, for example:

chemotherapy
radiotherapy
immunotherapy
antibody therapy
targeted therapies
surgical treatment

The aim of integrative support is, among other things, to provide the body with the best possible support, correct deficiencies, support resilience and quality of life, and reduce treatment-related symptoms wherever possible.

All substances used must be assessed for potential interactions with the respective oncological treatment.

When Conventional Cancer Treatment Is Not Desired

There are patients who, after comprehensive medical counselling, decide against individual or all conventional oncological treatment options. We also offer medical support to these patients.

In such a situation, we can jointly assess which complementary and integrative measures are medically appropriate and can be combined into an individualized treatment concept.

At the same time, we communicate the limitations openly:
Such a concept cannot be regarded as an equivalent substitute for an oncological standard treatment with proven efficacy.

We respect the informed patient’s decision – without making false promises and without guarantees of a cure.

Our Guiding Principle

Our goal is not to use as many therapies as possible.

We want to understand:

What does the body need?
Which deficiencies are present?
Which factors place a burden on the immune system and metabolism?
How well is cellular immunity functioning?
Which individual characteristics of the tumor disease can additionally be assessed?
And which therapeutic approaches appear most appropriate for this particular patient?

Based on this information, we develop an individualized integrative treatment plan.

As much as necessary.

As targeted as possible.

As individual as the person themselves.

PromedPower – Individuelle Medizin
Dr. med. univ. Stefan Rohrer